Kayak Beginner Clinic

Kayak Beginner Clinic

Our Beginner’s Clinic is great for someone who has some kayak experience and is looking to improve their basic skills and move up to the next level; all while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Sarapiqui River. In this kayaking clinic for advanced beginners, we teach and refine the techniques needed to paddle a kayak safely and confidently on class II Rivers.

The Sarapiqui Outdoor Center has professional instructors certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the National Learning Institute (INA), who are ready to give you a unique experience. 

Our 1-day kayak beginner’s clinic focuses on:
• Improving students’ balance, posture and boat edging skills
• Applying solid flatwater technique to Class II whitewater paddling
• Gaining confidence with Class II eddy turns, peel outs and ferries
• Eddy hopping and boat scouting down Class II rapids
• Performing basic play moves such as wave and hole surfing on Class II whitewater and stern squirting on moving water
• Using waves to cross currents
• Depending on the group, we may also introduce rolling.

2-day kayak clinic:

In the 2-day kayak clinic, we work on refining your maneuvering skills, including eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, self-rescue and basic surfing. After a review of the basic strokes, including sweep strokes, forward strokes, draws, and braces, we introduce or improve upon your strokes and maneuvers such as the gliding draw, bracing and edging the kayak.

3-day kayak clinic:

In this 3-day kayaking clinic for advanced beginner kayakers, we teach and refine the kayaking techniques, tips, and skills needed to paddle a kayak safely and confidently on Class II river. We also introduce wave and hole surfing. On the third day we work on rolling, surfing, and refining class II techniques.

Overview of the Day:

The day starts at our base, the Sarapiqui Outdoor Center, where we have changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms for your convenience. After checking in and signing the waiver, you will meet with your instructor to go over some of the skills that you will work on for the day. Your instructor will also help you choose the proper gear and select a kayak.

After loading up the van, you will take a short ride to the put-in for the Sarapiquí River. Your knowledgeable and friendly instructor will equip you with all necessary information to keep you safe on the river. Then you will head downstream, learning new skills and admiring the natural environment all around you. You will stop along the way for some fresh fruits. Once you reach the take-out for this section of river, you will load into the van and take a short ride back to the Sarapiqui Outdoor Center, where a BBQ lunch by the river will be waiting for you. Enjoy your lunch and then view the photos and videos of the day (available for purchase).